“Goya: Lights and Shadows. Masterpieces of the Museo del Prado”

THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF WESTERN ART

One of the most important 19th-century artists of Spain, the Romanticist painter and printmaker Francisco de Goya (1746-1828) is considered one of the last Old Masters as well as a pioneer of modern art. He helped develop Romanticism and produced works that became a major influence and inspiration behind many French Impressionists.

Goya was appointed the royal painter to King Charles of Spain and his portraits of the royal family garnered him much acclaim. However, he is also well known for depicting the great social upheavals of his country, including prints and paintings depicting Napoleon’s attempted invasion of Spain during the Peninsular War of 1808-1814. His representative works show a skillful use of light and shadow to pictorial and dramatic effect.

This show brings together 72 oil paintings and drawings from the Museo del Prado in Madrid and 51 prints from the NMWAs own collection and others in Japan; till Jan. 29.